By Mariners defeated in tough opening fixture
This afternoon saw Paul Hurst’s Might Mariners return to the English Football League after an incredible season in the National League.
The Grimsby gaffer has made several excellent signings whilst also retaining integral talent throughout his squad during the summer, some of which were named in Town’s starting eleven for the opening day of the brand-new League Two season.
Despite train strikes causing devastating travel disruptions for fans looking to make the lengthy journey, over 1,200 Mariners travelled to The Breyer Group Stadium to watch GTFC in action!
Wearing their myenergi blue strip, Grimsby entered the game with an army of supporters cheering them on.
Town’s number one, Max Crocombe, was called into action early on after a bullet effort from Moncur tested the keeper from 18 yards out. The New Zealand shot stopper punched the ball away to nullify danger.
The Mariners had a scare after just five minutes of play when Hull City loanee Andy Smith obtained a nasty head injury following a brave clearance.
Moments later, Michee Efete almost put Town in front after Clifton and Glennon linked up, the latter drilled the ball into the box, which found Efete, the resulting effort was well saved. The O’s were lucky to still be level.
Continuing the end-to-end action, the hosts broke with pace as Smyth and Morris battled in the Mariners’ final third. Despite Morris’ best effort to retrieve the ball from his man, Smyth forced another crucial save from the Town keeper.
Orient were gifted a free kick in a dangerous area following a hand ball by Smith. Moncur saw his effort fizz just wide – a let off for the Mariners.
As the first half came to an end, John McAtee tested his luck after stealing possession from the hosts. McAtee beat his man and pulled the trigger, but his hopeful shot was saved with ease as Town continued to look for an opener.
The first 45 ended goalless despite both sides enjoying promising forward spells. Paul Hurst will be hoping his players all remain fit for upcoming fixtures after several individuals picked up injuries.
It was Leyton Orient who drew first blood after returning to the pitch just before the 50th minute mark. Moncur converted from the penalty spot following Waterfall’s hand ball in the box.
The hosts soon doubled their lead after an absolute worldie stunned the crowd, keeper Max Crocombe stood no chance.
Thomas James struck the ball beautifully from 30 yards out, a quality effort that proved too strong for the Grimsby goalkeeper.
Paul Hurst made use of his substitutes with just over 20 minutes left to play. Green and Kiernan were replaced by Maguire-Drew and Taylor before a second double substitute was made – Glennon and Clifton were both swapped for Cropper and Wearne.
The Mariners tried to get back into the game, a notion evidenced with Hurst’s changes, but the hosts proved stubborn and ultimately controlled the game with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The game ended with defeat for Grimsby, 2-0 the final score.
